For downloadable PDF: Adapted Swimming Guidelines
For screen reader friendly PDF version: Adapted Swimming Guidelines
For downloadable flyer PDF: Adaptive Swimming Poster
Overview
The USA Swimming Rules & Regulations allow the referee to modify the rules for swimmers with disabilities in meets. Competition rules for athletes with disabilities would be the same as those for all athletes unless the athlete’s impairment doesn’t allow the athlete to complete the stroke correctly.
Responsibilities
Swimmer
- Notifying the referee prior to competition of any disability and of the requested modification
- The swimmer or coach will provide any assistants or equipment (tappers, deck mats, etc.) if required
Referee
- Determines if the requested modifications are appropriate and can be met
- Instructing the starter and turn officials as to the accommodations to be made for the swimmer with a disability
Modification Examples
- No modifications need to be made to pools or lanes
- A change in starting position
- Reassignment of lanes within a heat
- Allowing the swimmer to have a personal assistant (A personal assistant is not required to be a member of USA Swimming unless acting in a coaching capacity)
- Stroke/kick modifications
Additional Online Resources
- USA Swimming
- ASA: The Home of Aquatic Sports in England
- Club Finder
- US Paralympics Swimming Officials Course – Introduction
Contributing Authors: USA Swimming, U.S. Paralympics
Guideline Table of Contents
Competition and Rules
State Models
Groupings
Safety
Resources